Waikane Trail to Waiahole Uka Trail

by kenji SAITO on December 8, 2013

Today over 30,000 people were lining up at Kapiolani Park to start The Honolulu Marathon. Marvin, Jose and myself got dropped off by Chris on Waikane Valley Road to start our own Hiking Marathon of sorts. We walked past the barking dogs and followed the explosive danger signs plastered fence into the dark valley, only to be stopped in our tracks as we came across a huge muddy landslide that had wiped out part of the trail. Jose checked it out and deemed it safe enough to walk over without sliding down into the gurgling stream below us.

Sunrise

After crossing the stream, we missed the sharp left turn to gain the Waikane trail in the dark until Jose called out and we backtracked our way. Breaking free of the valley cover, the sun was able to reach us unfiltered as we took in the sunrise from the lookout on the Waikane trail.

Contouring

Contouring our way on the Waikane trail.

Waikane terminus

Stopping at the Waikane terminus that is marked by a rusty metal stake with a pink ribbon on it.

Staring into the sun

Looking into Kahana Valley with squinty eyes. After a short break, we made another sharp left turn as we set foot on the KST in the general direction of Waiahole.

Trail clearing time!

The trail was heavily overgrown with all types of vegetation and there were many false steps on the trail for hikers not paying attention. Like me.

Waianae Mountains

It was clear enough to see the entire Waianae Mountain Range from Kaena to Mokuleia.

Kahana Valley

The prominent peak of Ohulehule rising out of the Kahana Valley floor.

Nice day on the KST

Taking a break and soaking in the views on the KST. Shortly after, the clouds rolled in and we resumed our hiking.

Big buggah

A rather large example of Lehua papa or Metrosideros rugosa, endemic to Oahu and particularly fond of making themselves home on the wet and windy ridges of the Koolaus.

Wind(less) meadow

We descended down into this meadow, expecting to battle the fierce winds that I’ve heard so much about. I guess Mother Nature was on hiatus today. Not even a puff.

Clouds rolling in

Climbing out of the meadow, we looked over the ridge to check out the cloudy views of the Windward side.

Sugi not sugoi!

We soon came to the notch and the grove of Sugi Pine Trees that signaled we were near the Waiahole Uka terminus.

The last hill

Going up the grassy hill to the Waiahole Uka terminus. The original hike was planned to end at Manana, but my stomach was having none of that and so we ended up using Waiahole as the bailout.

Waiahole Uka

Taking a break amongst all the clouds.

Climbing into the clouds

Going down Waiahole Uka is all descending. No rolling hills here. Other hikers have likened this ridge to Piliwale, with the main difference of heavy overgrowth and more taxing.

Ropes are our friends

There are a couple of steep and crumbly sections to go down, but for the most part, they are roped for assistance

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Uluhe fern country

Marvin and Jose wading through the last half of the ridge which is covered in uluhe ferns. Not fun at all.

Until we meet again

I’m not looking forward to wading through those obnoxious ferns again. In hindsight, should have stuck it out to Manana. Oh well.

GPS Tracks

After popping out of that tangled mess of ferns, we made our way down onto the Kuolani-Waianu trail which passed through several gullies and the man-made waterfall. Jasmin was nice enough to pick us up at the trailhead which saved us a mile of walking and running into Scuba, the “guardian” of the valley. The entire hike was just shy of 11 miles, which still made it a grinder in my books.